Hoverfly Need a new GPS Antenna

[Aerovideo]

So with my latest crash I've finally broken my original GPS antenna, just wondering what my options are these days for where to buy a replacement. If I recall, the antenna I had was no longer for sale or too difficult to acquire so other antennas were added to the mix. Just wondering if people have opinions on which one works best and/or who has them in stock at the best price

I hate crashing... FPV cable came loose from the camera and video went out. First time flying FPV with my HFPro+GPS so I totally forgot about return to home and tried to fly it back LOS with just a dot in the sky, it didn't end well. Man I wish I would have tried the RTH, that would have been SO cool, especially instead of crashing!

 

[workshop]

A good time to remind everybody to use "Amazing Goop" (For Plumbing) or Silicone Seal on all critical connections like the VidTX and VidCAM connectors.

It creates a very strong adhesive seal that can be removed if necessary. I started this practice after a similar incident with a fixed wing.

Jeff

 

[Aerovideo]

I've always worried out the camera connections, they seem so flimsy and loose and it finally happened to me. Didn't know about the Goop.

Good call on the Goop, I'll have to check that out.

Best replacement GPS antenna and where to buy?

 

[S11D336B]

This will work as a replacement

http://store.diydrones.com/MediaTek_MT3329_GPS_V2_0_p/mt3329-02.htm

So with my latest crash I've finally broken my original GPS antenna, just wondering what my options are these days for where to buy a replacement. If I recall, the antenna I had was no longer for sale or too difficult to acquire so other antennas were added to the mix. Just wondering if people have opinions on which one works best and/or who has them in stock at the best price

I hate crashing... FPV cable came loose from the camera and video went out. First time flying FPV with my HFPro+GPS so I totally forgot about return to home and tried to fly it back LOS with just a dot in the sky, it didn't end well. Man I wish I would have tried the RTH, that would have been SO cool, especially instead of crashing!

 

[RyanMcCrae]

would liquid tape work like goop?

 

[workshop]

View attachment 8089

Only until you try to remove it... The great thing about Goop is that one can remove it with a hobby knife and needle nose pliers.

 

[Aerovideo]

Thanks George!

George, not sure if you've seen this but I just went to purchase the GPS antenna you linked too. Looks like they have a new version out with this in the description:

Note that the new MediaTek has custom "DIYDrones" firmware that allows the unit to output an efficient and very compressed binary protocol ​

(This firmware will only work with our modules!)​

.​

 

[Aerovideo]

Saw this at the Hoverfly support site and it appears as though you guys are aware of the new firmware although I'm still concerned with the "only works with our modules!" part

[h=3]MediaTek GPS module improvements[/h]

Ben Halsted
posted this on Nov 19 01:33 pm

3D Robotics, the company which provides the MediaTek MT3329 GPS antenna modules used in the HoverflyGPS, has announced the following improvements in their product:
-3DR uBlox footprint
-Larger ground plane
-Battery for hot starts
-New firmware - No longer uses any smooth filtering or position prediction. Update rate is now 5hz.
These improvements will make acquiring a GPS fix much quicker and prevent unintended movements due to the GPS. We will begin shipping the new and improved MediaTek antennas with all new and outstanding orders as of Friday, November 16th. If you already own a HoverflyGPS, the new antenna module is available directly through 3D Robotics' online store, http://store.diydrones.com/
​

 

[Aerovideo]

I went ahead an ordered the antenna, looks like you can load the original firmware if the new one doesn't work with Hoverfly.

 

[hoverben]

... although I'm still concerned with the "only works with our modules!" part

Hi Paul - That bit refers to the green adapter module that comes connected to the antenna. Technically, the "MediaTek antenna" is just the small tan square. The green (previously blue) board is an adapter module that DIYdrones adds. So they are advising you that their firmware most likely won't work if you were to try to install it on a MediaTek antenna with a different company's adaptor.

 

[Aerovideo]

Well my new GPS antenna was waiting at home for me today, woohoo. The cable that came with it is REALLY short and the cable that was on my old antenna doesn't seem to work with the new one as 2 wires are clipped. Different antennas I guess had different wire needs.

Anyway, this is from inside my house on my bench, is it good?
View attachment 8253

Seems pretty good, especially from inside my house. This is very encouraging, plus I like the new battery backup. Unplug it and plug it back in and this baby was locked on instantly!

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[S11D336B]

Looks very good to me.

Well my new GPS antenna was waiting at home for me today, woohoo. The cable that came with it is REALLY short and the cable that was on my old antenna doesn't seem to work with the new one as 2 wires are clipped. Different antennas I guess had different wire needs.

Anyway, this is from inside my house on my bench, is it good?
View attachment 10571

Seems pretty good, especially from inside my house. This is very encouraging, plus I like the new battery backup. Unplug it and plug it back in and this baby was locked on instantly!

Thanks for the help guys!